Politics · Other · 2 hrs ago
European officials fear Trump is leaning toward Russia over Ukraine
European officials fear Donald Trump is more sympathetic to Russia than Ukraine as the war continues.
Trump has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and urged him to make a deal with Russia, while rarely criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to European diplomats.
Some officials believe Trump’s personal dislike of Zelenskyy is affecting U.S. policy, though they say his position could still change.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said European support has helped Ukraine resist pressure to accept Putin’s terms.
Ukraine is facing shortages of funding and air defenses, while European officials also worry that political support for Kyiv could weaken.
Trump envoy Steve Witkoff met Zelenskyy and the leaders of Norway and Finland in Oslo, and was due to discuss peace proposals with Russian leaders in St. Petersburg.
The White House is pushing for a ceasefire, and one option under discussion is a summit involving Trump, Zelenskyy and Putin.
European officials fear President Donald Trump is more sympathetic to Russia than to Ukraine.
Some officials say Trump’s personal dislike of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may make U.S. involvement in peace efforts harder.
Trump has urged Zelenskyy to reach a deal with Russia, saying U.S. taxpayers are tired of supporting Ukraine without getting anything in return.
Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff held talks with Zelenskyy and Nordic leaders in Oslo before planning a visit to St. Petersburg for discussions with Russian leaders.
- Who
- U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European officials.
- What
- European officials fear Trump favors Russia over Ukraine and that his relationship with Zelenskyy is complicating peace efforts.
- When
- The reports were published on October 20 and 21, 2026; the articles describe comments and meetings during that week.
- Where
- The concerns were reported in Europe. Trump made comments at the White House, and Witkoff held talks in Oslo before planning to travel to St. Petersburg.
- Why
- European officials point to Trump’s apparent support for Russia and his strained relationship with Zelenskyy.
Donald Trump
European officials
Trump’s view of the war
Donald Trump
Trump said Russia had “not been doing that much” in Ukraine and urged Zelenskyy to make a deal with Russia.
European officials
Officials fear Trump is taking Russia’s side and pushing Ukraine toward an unfair peace.
Trump’s approach to negotiations
Donald Trump
Trump said U.S. taxpayers were tired of supporting Ukraine without receiving anything in return.
European officials
Officials say Trump’s dislike of Zelenskyy makes U.S. involvement in peace efforts harder.
Trump said the United States had given Ukraine much but received nothing in return, according to Vedomosti.
Trump said Russia had “not been doing that much” in Ukraine, according to Politico Europe.
Witkoff met Zelenskyy and the leaders of Norway and Finland in Oslo for talks.
Witkoff was due to travel to St. Petersburg to discuss peace proposals with Russian leaders.
Trump told reporters at the White House that U.S. taxpayers were tired of supporting Ukraine and that Washington wanted Zelenskyy to make a deal with Russia.
- U.S. president
- Donald Trump
- Ukrainian president
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- EU top diplomat
- Kaja Kallas
- Talks in Norway
- Oslo
- Planned Russian visit
- St. Petersburg
- Article publication dates
- October 20 and 21, 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
Russia frankly has been fine on Ukraine
American negotiators have been trying to push Ukraine into surrender for already almost two years
Trump is self-centered — his personal predilections for dictators and autocrats, his desire to give opportunities to U.S. businesses … are very important parts of his motivation.
He’s been critical of Ukraine, the EU, NATO, but hardly ever said anything critical about Putin.